CPRC Update: May 2008

Last month’s issue gave a brief overview of what the Canadian Poultry
Research Council* (CPRC) is and what it is about. Here is more detail
on some CPRC-supported research. Please feel free to contact us if you
need more information.

Last month’s issue gave a brief overview of what the Canadian Poultry Research Council* (CPRC) is and what it is about. Here is more detail on some CPRC-supported research. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information.

TOWARDS ALTERNATIVES TO ANTIMICROBIALS
There is increasing concern, both from within and outside the agricultural community, over the continuing use of antimicrobial compounds in agriculture. The first research program sponsored by CPRC was therefore designed to determine the impact of these compounds on microbes in the avian gut, as well as the potential implications of reducing their use. Work is also underway towards alternative ways of treating and preventing certain poultry diseases. Four main projects are underway:

1 The effect of antibiotics on gut microbe populations: Antibiotics commonly used in the poultry industry disrupt populations of gut microbes in the chicken. Since microbes in the gut directly affect immune function, changes in their populations may also affect the bird’s ability to fend off disease. Shayan Sharif at the University of Guelph and Joshua Gong, a scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, have joined forces to look at the important relationship between antibiotic use and immune function.

2 Understanding Necrotic enteritis: Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a disease that can significantly impact the poultry industry. Relatively little is known, however, about its development. Although a number of factors appear to contribute to the progression of the disease, it is always associated with the bacterium Clostridium perfringens. There are many strains of C. perfringens normally present in the chicken gut. However, NE appears to be caused by increased numbers of only one or two strains. Patrick Boerlin at the University of Guelph has developed methods by which relative numbers of different strains of C. perfringens in the gut can be measured. This tool will be very useful to those working towards a better understanding of NE and finding alternative measures for its control.

3 Using enzymes to improve gut health: Common poultry diets based on corn, soybean, wheat and other plant-based ingredients have a number of components that are poorly digested. The presence of these indigestibles in the gut can support the growth of a range of harmful organisms. Bogdan Slominski and Gregory Blank at the University of Manitoba are using a new generation of enzymes to break down these components to see if the resulting products promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They are especially interested to see if the beneficial bacteria can then out compete harmful ones such as C. perfringens. So far, results suggest the enzymes can improve feed efficiency of birds fed a wheat-based diet and can increase overall weight gain of birds fed corn-based diets.

4 Studying Campylobacter:

Campylobacter jejuni is among the main causes of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the intestines) in people. The bacterium lives in the poultry gut without causing problems, but poultry products contaminated with it have been linked to human infection (when these products have been improperly handled or prepared). Brenda Allan at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization in Saskatchewan is trying to better understand how this bacterium colonizes the gut in the bird. With an eventual goal of developing a vaccine against the bacterium, Dr. Allan’s work has begun to determine the genetic differences between strains of C. jejuni that colonize the gut and those that don’t.

NEW PRODUCTS
Last year, the CPRC invited researchers to submit proposals that build on work already underway in this program. CPRC approved six new projects for which additional funding partners are being sought.

FUTURE RESEARCH
The CPRC solicits new proposals from Canada’s research community each year that are consistent with agreed priorities. This year’s invitation relates to two priority areas:

1 Environmental issues: The “environment” represents a very broad topic area. Projects initiated in 2005 are dealing with manure, calcium and phosphorus flow in layers, workplace health, and residues from veterinary pharmaceuticals. Results from many of these projects are in, with the rest expected soon. The current call for new proposals aims to build on this research.

2 Finding less expensive feed ingredients: There is an emerging need for research on the use of feedstuffs alternative to current grains (especially corn), which are anticipated to increase in price due to demands from the energy sector. The CPRC is interested in research towards alternative ingredients that will meet the nutritional needs of commercial poultry.

For more details on any CPRC activities, please contact Gord Speksnijder at the Canadian Poultry Research Council, 483 Arkell Road, R.R. #2, Guelph, Ont., N1H 6H8, phone 289-251-2990, fax: 519-837-3584, e-mail:  info@cp-rc.ca or visit us at www.cp-rc.ca .

*The membership of the CPRC consists of the Chicken Farmers of Canada, Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency, Canadian Egg Marketing Agency and the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors’ Council. CPRC’s mission is to address its members’ needs through dynamic leadership in the creation and implementation of programs for poultry research in Canada, which may also include societal concerns.